What Does My Lipid Profile And Liver Function Tests Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014

Question: Hi - just had a lab test done. I did it non fasting because I was just interested in the ferritin level and the hgl/hematocrit results. I've been tired recently. I am a endurance runner and have been training hard but my times have been slowing down a lot recently.

However the test came back with several flags so I wanted to ask if this is something worry about or just ignore because I had eaten prior to test. Uric acid 3.4, ldh 238, Ast 48, alt 52, triglycerides 208. Vldl cholesterol 42. Also took the test the day after a 10k race. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lipid lowering drugs need to be started.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

The test report that you have posted is lipid profile and liver function tests.
AST and ALT are liver function tests.
The normal levels of AST and ALT should be between 0-40 U/L.
These enzymes are slightly increased from their normal range.
This increase could be due to some kind of damage to hepatocytes or liver cells.
Viral infections, drugs, toxins are some of the common causes of elevated levels of liver enzymes.
A repeat liver function test is suggestsed after 3-4- weeks.
If the levels still remain elevated, consult your primary health provider for further referral to gastroenterologist.
If the levels come back to normal, nothing needs to be done.

The lipid profile shows increased levels of LDL, triglycerides and VLDL.
Increased components of lipids has to be managed by life style modifications as weel as medication.
Life style modification consists of weight reduction, decreased fats and carbohydrates and increased quantity of proteins.
Fiber and fluids have to be increased.

However, a consultation with your physician is required.
Lipid lowering drugs have to be started along with life style modifications.
Uric acid is within normal limits.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (31 minutes later)

2 things - 1. Should I assume that the lipid results are likely to be correct and that I should begin lipid lowering drugs even though I ate a big breakfast of pancakes butter and syrup and hour before the test? I had assumed that those results were probably wrong.

question 2 - what about my ldh level of 238 - what is that about?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lipd profile is done empty stomach.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

Lipid profile is done empty stomach.
The results are probably false since the test is done after having heavy meal.
Repeat the test empty stomach and then look for any abnormality.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (13 minutes later)

what does elevated ldh Lev of 238 mean? is it impacted by food eaten recently - is liver panel impacted by food eaten recently like lipids. thanks.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
LDH is type of lipid, N level < 100 mg/dl.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

LDH is a type of lipid.
In health its level should be less than 100. However, the lipid profile is misleading since it has been done after having food.
Correct values will be obtained after taking up the stomach empty stomach.

Liver enzymes are not affected by food intake.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj